T-Mobile to launch latest MyTouch in July

BELLEVUE, Wash., June 22 (UPI) -- T-Mobile said Monday it would launch its latest Android-based smart phone in July, adding the MyTouch 3G to a growing list of choices for U.S. consumers.

Following recent launches of Apple's iPhone 3G S, and the latest Palm Pre, T-Mobile's push forward is the first new phone out of 18 expected this year using Google's Android operating system, USA Today reported Monday.

The MyTouch 3G will sell for $199 with a two-year service contract, said Andrew Sherrard, vice president of T-Mobile.

The second generation MyTouch includes an improved battery, instant access to Google, and the ability to synchronize dates with Microsoft Outlook.

"We've addressed some of the concerns from customers," Sherrard said.

Sales of the first generation MyTouch phone and applications available both fell far short of the iPhone, but market analyst Andy Castonguay at Yankee Group said there was "plenty of room for lots of different players," in the smart phone market.

"This is a market of billions and billions of users," he said.